This 4-5 hour loop trail in Arataki Visitor Centre area combines Slip Track and Pipeline Track through native bush in the Waitākere Ranges. The moderate-grade walk features regenerating kauri forest, stream crossings, and scenic viewpoints. Starting from Arataki, the circuit offers a peaceful wilderness experience with well-maintained paths and directional signage.
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By Car: From Auckland CBD take State Highway 16 toward West Auckland. Turn onto Scenic Drive and follow signs to Arataki Visitor Centre. The carpark is well signposted and has ample space though it fills quickly on weekends. The drive takes about 40 minutes from central Auckland.
By Public Transport: Public transport options are limited. The nearest bus route terminates several kilometres away so driving or arranging a ride is recommended for this track.
Parking: Free parking available at Arataki Visitor Centre. Arrive early on weekends and public holidays to secure a spot.
The beauty of this circuit lies in its split personality. Slip Track delivers the cardio workout with its unrelenting climb while Pipeline Track rewards your suffering with a gentler forest ramble. It’s like the walking equivalent of a mullet—business at the front, party at the back.
The regenerating kauri forest along this route tells a recovery story. These trees are reclaiming their territory and you’re walking through different stages of forest succession. The younger kauri are pushing up through the understory while mature survivors tower overhead.
The track surface varies considerably. Slip Track features compacted dirt with exposed roots and rocks, especially in the steeper sections. After rain it becomes slippery (hence the name, presumably) and you’ll need to watch your footing. Pipeline Track offers better traction overall but presents its own challenges with narrow sections along the ridgeline.
Stream crossings are minimal and usually manageable with simple rock hopping. However after heavy rainfall these can swell so check recent weather before heading out.
The best views on Slip Track appear unexpectedly between trees rather than at obvious lookout points. Keep your eyes left as you climb and you’ll catch glimpses of the Manukau Harbour that most rushed hikers miss entirely.
Pipeline Track has several unmarked side paths created by explorers and mountain bikers. Stick to the main track unless you’re confident with navigation. The official path is obvious if you pay attention—it’s wider and shows more wear.
The Arataki Visitor Centre often has DOC rangers who can provide current track conditions and interesting ecological information. Pop in before or after your walk when it’s open. The building itself is architecturally striking with traditional Māori design elements.
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This is non-negotiable in the Waitākeres. Before and after your walk you must use the cleaning stations to scrub your boots thoroughly. Kauri dieback disease has devastated parts of these ranges and every hiker has a responsibility to prevent its spread.
Stay on formed tracks at all times. Those tempting shortcuts damage roots and potentially spread the disease. The kauri here have survived for centuries—don’t be the person who contributes to their demise because you couldn’t be bothered walking an extra fifty metres.
Early morning offers cooler temperatures for the Slip Track climb and you’ll often have the forest to yourself. The bird chorus is at peak performance at dawn too. Midday sun can make the exposed sections of Slip Track quite warm in summer.
Winter walking has its own appeal with misty atmospheric conditions though mud becomes a significant factor. The forest takes on a different character when cloud settles into the canopy—mysterious and primordial.
Avoid this track immediately after heavy rain. The steep sections of Slip Track become treacherous when wet and the experience shifts from enjoyable challenge to dangerous slog.
The birdlife here is excellent. Tui are abundant and their complex songs echo through the forest. You’ll likely hear kereru (native wood pigeons) crashing through the canopy with all the grace of a drunk uncle at a wedding. Their wing beats are surprisingly loud for a bird.
Fantails will probably adopt you for sections of the walk, flitting around catching insects you disturb as you pass. They’re charming companions though their constant movement can be distracting when you’re trying to concentrate on foot placement.
The understory features nikau palms, tree ferns, and a variety of epiphytes clinging to larger trees. Supplejack vines loop across the path in places—watch for these at head height.
The initial climb on Slip Track is genuinely steep. If you’re not accustomed to sustained uphill walking, this will humble you quickly. There’s no shame in taking multiple breaks—trying to power through just makes the experience miserable.
Navigation is straightforward but the loop nature means you’re committed once you reach Pipeline Track. Turning back from that junction means retracing your steps down Slip Track which is almost as hard on the knees as going up was on the lungs.
The total distance and time means you need reasonable fitness. This isn’t a casual stroll and undertaking it without adequate preparation leads to a long, uncomfortable afternoon.
Keen walkers can connect this loop to other tracks in the area including the longer routes toward Te Henga (Bethells Beach). The track network here is extensive and well-maintained offering options from short walks to full-day expeditions.
The Nature Trail near the visitor centre is an easy 30-minute loop that’s worth doing if you arrive early or have energy after completing the main circuit. It offers an accessible introduction to the native plants in the area.
Is this walk suitable for children?
Older children with good fitness and walking experience can manage this loop but the length and steep sections make it unsuitable for young kids. Consider shorter Waitākere walks for families.
Can I do this walk in running shoes?
Not recommended. The terrain demands proper hiking boots with ankle support and grip, especially in wet conditions. Trail runners at minimum but boots are better.
Are there any stream swimming spots?
The streams along this route are too small and shallow for swimming. Head to other Waitākere tracks if swimming is your goal.
What if I meet mountain bikers?
Some sections are shared use though this particular loop sees relatively few bikes. Give way appropriately and communicate clearly when passing.
Is there mobile phone coverage for emergencies?
Patchy at best. Some high points pick up signal but don’t rely on it. Carry basic first aid supplies and know what to do in an emergency.
Can I bring my drone?
No. Drones are prohibited in regional parks including the Waitākeres without specific permission.
How busy does it get?
Moderate traffic compared to popular Waitākere walks like Kitekite Falls. Weekday mornings offer the most solitude while weekend afternoons see the most visitors.
The morning mist still clung to the ranges when I started up Slip Track, my boots already damp from the wet grass at the carpark. The climb hits you immediately—steep switchbacks that make your calves burn within the first ten minutes. I passed a couple who’d stopped to catch their breath, and we exchanged those knowing nods that hikers give each other when a track is proving tougher than expected.
About halfway up, the forest opened to reveal the Manukau Harbour spread out below, silver in the early light. I took a longer break here than I probably needed, but the view justified it. A tui called from somewhere in the canopy, its song cutting through the sound of my own breathing.
The junction with Pipeline Track came sooner than I remembered from studying the map. The character of the walk changed completely here—the brutal ascent gave way to an easier, undulating path through dense bush. My legs thanked me for the reprieve. Tree roots crossed the track like tangled fingers, and I had to watch my footing more than once where the path narrowed along the ridge.
Pipeline Track lived up to its name eventually, with sections of old pipeline visible through the undergrowth. There’s something oddly compelling about these remnants of infrastructure slowly being reclaimed by the forest. Moss covered most of the metal, turning industrial into almost decorative.
The loop back toward Arataki felt longer than it looked on paper, but by then I’d found my rhythm. The descent was kinder than the climb up Slip Track, though my knees had started to protest by the time the visitor center came into view. I sat on a bench near the carpark afterward, finishing my water and feeling that particular satisfaction that comes from a solid morning walk in the Waitakeres.
